Robert Arestad
June 06, 1962 - January 24, 2016
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Robert Arestad
June 06, 1962 - January 24, 2016
Obituary
Lou Arestad, passed away Sunday, January 24th, after ongoing battles with heart issues. He was 53 years old. Lou was a long-time businessman in Ferndale, WA. Lou was an orphan in Tien Phuoc Vietnam during Vietnam War and was cared for and mentored by members of U.S. Army’s B Battery 3rd Battalion 16th Field Artillery unit in South Vietnam. In the early 70’s Laura Arestad was watching CBS news correspondent Bill Plante interview Lou in Vietnam. Lou told Bill he wanted to be adopted by an American family. While watching the story Laura stated to her children” Come see your new brother on T.V.!” After arriving in the United State in 1973, Lou was adopted into the Christian home of Leif and Laura Arestad and was raised on the dairy farm at Ferndale WA. Lou graduated from Ferndale High School in 1984 and went on to graduate from college. Lou worked in banking and then started Lou Arestad Accounting business in 1988. In 1996 Lou added another business; Little Lou’s Construction. Lou had a good life living in America and more importantly he lived the American dream. Lou hosted some pretty good barbecues and was known by his family and friends as having a sense of humor and a little guy with a big heart. Lou enjoyed fishing, socializing with friends and family and enjoyed traveling, including trips to Las Vegas to meet with his 16th Artillery Unit G.I. buddies. Lou was quick witted and people enjoyed his sense of humor. Lou’s best friends were Bill Collier and brother Steve. The Arestad family would like to thank Lou’s close friend and construction boss Bill Collier, Su Nuntalogawithoon owner of Lux Thai restaurant, brother Steve, sister Debbie, Lou’s niece Jamie Arestad and Misty Mostrom. They were close friends with Lou and all spent a lot of their personal time helping Lou anyway they could. Survivors are brothers, James, Stuart Steve, John and David, sisters, Jill Nolan, Kim Loop, Julie Beaver, Debbie Leavy and Joanne Knight and numerous nieces and nephews. Lou was proceeded in death by his parents Lief Arestad in 1987 and Laura Arestad in 2010, brother Eric in 1989 and sister Erin in 2014. A celebration of life will be held at Fox Hall, Monday February 8th at 10:00 AM, 3985 Bennett Drive, Bellingham WA 98225 . In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled Americans Veterans Charitable Trust or Wounded Warriors Family Support.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 1, 1970 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Fox Hall
- Location: 3985 Bennett Dr Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
13 responses to Robert Arestad
Randy Harnish says:
January 24, 2016
I first met Lou 47 years ago when he became a “member” of our artillery fire base in the central highlands of South Vietnam. Lou was about 6 years old. It was obvious early on that Lou had what it takes, if only he was given a chance. He got that chance and the rest is history. Rest in peace my friend.
Sheila Arestad says:
January 24, 2016
I’m so glad we had Facebook these past few years so I was able to connect with Lou again. I remember the first time we met at the farm when we were kids. He was so articulate and at ease with adults. It only took him a few minutes to ask my mother if she were German. Apparently, he’d met some Germans in Vietnam and recognized her accent straight away.Lou overcame mountains of adversity and packed a full life into his short number of years. I admire his strength and spirit.
May the Lord Bless and Keep You, little Cousin…and comfort your brothers and sisters who will miss you so much!
jim and barbara watters says:
January 24, 2016
We send our love and prayers to Lou’s family. Lou was blessed to be part of such a wonderful and caring family. Your Dad and Mom would be proud of you all.
Jackie Edin says:
January 24, 2016
To Lou’s family and closest friends; I am so sorry to hear of this news. I truly thought Lou was the cutest little guy with such humor and wit. First time I met him he came in with his sister Debbie to the Western Cafe for lunch, and I remember he said something to me about being so short and stood up on the seat at the table and said see I’m not short, so what’s your problem, teasing me. I always teased him back wanting to know if he needed the booster seat and he just gave me a look only Lou could do. He may have been short but the most fun caring loving person and as you say in the writing in the article,He may have been small but with a very big heart whom helped many. Cocky attitude I grew to love, but all in fun. He will truly be missed. Debbie because I know you like a sister, Please if their is anything I can do, know I am their.
Geoffrey powell says:
January 24, 2016
Brry b 3/16th arty. Christmas eve 1969. I was the new guy in the fire direction center so i was assigned the radio monitor for the night shift during the cease fire. It was about 1 am while feeling sorry for myself when lou came in and jumped ip on the table and began his story about going to the us one day. I felt so sorry for him that i forgot about myself. He fell asleep on that table and i prayed that he would get his wish though i had serious doubts. It us comforting to learn he made it.